Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 669

"Is Neil awake yet?" The moment the call connected, Russel's voice came through, laced with concern.

I'd been camping out at the hospital for a couple of days now. Between the sporadic bouts of sleep and the constant weight of worry pressing down on me, I felt like a ghost wandering aimlessly, disconnected from my own body. Casting a weary glance at Neil lying motionless on the hospital bed, I let out a sigh, "No, not yet. It's getting critical. If he doesn't wake up today..."

Russel cut in, "And if he doesn't, what's your plan?"

"I don't know... I guess, wait it out?" There was no way I was going to pack up and head back to Rosemont with the kids, leaving Neil behind, not when he needed me the most.

Russel went silent for a moment, leaving me wondering why he'd called. I had handed off the messy aftermath of our would-be wedding to him and personally phoned our guests to apologize for the no-show. Despite our wedding turning into a bit of a farce, being a sham from the start meant I didn't dwell on it much or care about the gossip.

"Just checking on Neil. I've been tied up and couldn't visit," Russel finally said, his tone lighter, trying to brush off the heaviness of our conversation with a chuckle.

But something felt off, like he was hiding something from me. Still, I couldn't put my finger on it.

We didn't talk long. I decided to confront Russel in person once things with Neil reached some resolution. I owed him a proper thank-you for dealing with our wedding fallout, more than just words. Maybe a gift or dinner out, or cash if he preferred.

"Irene," Faith's voice broke through my thoughts as she entered. She and Ryan had moved into Neil's place to help with Hiram and to bring me meals, insisting I shouldn't spend all my time at the hospital. But leaving was the last thing on my mind.

She set the food aside, her eyes filled with concern as she looked at Neil. The silent countdown we were all keeping in our heads was taking its toll, darkening Faith's expression by the minute.

"Faith," I murmured, my appetite gone at the sight of the untouched meals.

She nodded, taking a seat beside the bed and gently holding Neil's hand, her face void of smiles, heavy with worry.

It was evening now. If Neil didn't wake up by morning, the chances were he'd be declared in a vegetative state, possibly bedridden for life, relying on machines to perform basic functions. The thought that he might still be aware, trapped in his own body, unable to wake, was a torment too cruel to bear.

The doctors couldn't confirm whether Neil was aware of his surroundings, which, in a way, made it even more cruel. Being completely unconscious might have been a mercy, sparing him the pain of awareness without the ability to live.